Caroline Kennedy Drops Out of Bid for Senate

Caroline Kennedy has withdrawn her name from consideration to take over Hillary Clinton's vacant Senate seat in New York, the daughter of the 35th President of the United States announced early Thursday.

On Wednesday, Kennedy, 51, telephoned the state's Gov. David A. Paterson, whose decision it is to choose Clinton's replacement, and apparently expressed her concern for her uncle, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, according to The New York Times.

In a brief statement released by her spokesperson, Caroline Kennedy said only, "I informed Governor Paterson today that for personal reasons I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the United States Senate."

Later Thursday, The Times reported that problems regarding taxes and a household employee had arisen during Kennedy's vetting process.

Paterson is expected to announce his decision regarding the Senate seat on Saturday, according to The Times. Clinton resigned from the Senate late Wednesday, immediately after she was sworn in as secretary of state.

Among others, New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, 51, has also been mentioned as a possible appointee to the Senate.